# Conclusion explained — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

> Chapter companion for Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant.

## What happens

Grant reflects on the causes of the Civil War, attributing it to slavery and the political struggles over its expansion. He discusses the war's impact on national unity, the role of European powers, and the need for military preparedness to maintain peace. He also notes the postwar reconciliation with former Confederates.

## Themes in this chapter

### Slavery and Racial Justice

Grant identifies slavery as the cause of the war and discusses the political and social conflicts it generated.

### National Union and Constitutional Crisis

The war is framed as a test of republican institutions and national unity against secession and European threats.

### Reconciliation and Magnanimity

Grant notes with gratification that Confederates joined in postwar reconciliation efforts.

### The Horrors and Cost of War

Grant calls the war a 'fearful lesson' and emphasizes the need to avoid future conflicts.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses S. Grant

Author and narrator; reflects on the war's causes, his command, and postwar events.

### Abraham Lincoln

Mentioned in context of discussions about European intervention in Mexico.

### Edwin M. Stanton

Mentioned as Secretary of War in discussions about Mexico.

### Philip H. Sheridan

Sent by Grant to the Rio Grande after Lee's surrender to aid Juarez against the French.

### Robert E. Lee

His surrender at Appomattox is referenced as the end of the war.

## Key lines

> The cause of the great War of the Rebellion against the United Status will have to be attributed to slavery.

Grant states that slavery was the fundamental cause of the Civil War.

_Opening assertion of the chapter._

> It is probably well that we had the war when we did. We are better off now than we would have been without it, and have made more rapid progress than we otherwise should have made.

Grant suggests the war, though costly, ultimately benefited the nation by accelerating progress.

_Reflection on the war's positive outcomes._

> Now it has shown itself capable of dealing with one of the greatest wars that was ever made, and our people have proven themselves to be the most formidable in war of any nationality.

The war demonstrated the strength of American republican institutions and the military prowess of its people.

_Assessment of national character after the war._

> To maintain peace in the future it is necessary to be prepared for war.

Grant argues that military readiness is essential for preserving peace.

_Final lesson on national security._

## Links

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